Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Chapter 1192

Peyton felt a pang of guilt, knowing deep down that Emma's previous pregnancy was no mere rumor. After all, hadn't she sent Emma to town to take care of it, to get an abortion? She turned to Emma, who looked absolutely terrified. Bruises from a man's grip marked her neck and wrists, her face was ghostly pale, and she was trembling uncontrollably. But instead of pity for her daughter, Peyton felt a surge of anger-anger at being embarrassed in front of the whole town.

In a place like this, reputation was everything. If people started gossiping, how could they ever live it down?

The murmurs around her became unbearable, so she rushed over to Emma.

"Emma, what in the world is going on here?" Peyton demanded.

The Odeberg family's limping patriarch snorted in disdain.

"Don't play dumb. It's obvious you and your daughter are trying to scam us out of the dowry. Absolutely shameless. No wonder the men in your family are all dead. Must be karma." Peyton's face twisted in fury, but she felt powerless against the crowd's accusations. She couldn't defend herself or Emma alone.

She hurried to help Emma up, her tone urgent.

"Emma, for heaven's sake, explain what's happening here!"

Wasn't the child supposed to be taken care of already? How could the Odebergs now claim that Emma was still pregnant?

Did Emma not go through with the abortion after all?

thought sent chills

finally snapping out of her daze, knew she had to come clean to

do it. The baby... it's still with me. I

followed echoed loudly, Peyton's rage causing her

you just say?!"

cheek stung, her entire body ached, and the remnants of the drugs in her system still clouded her mind. But that slap brought everything into sharp focus. Slowly, leaning on a nearby chair, she stood up, her demeanor

baby is still with me. And I won't be

whispers grew louder,

did you know about Emma's condition all

last week? My cousin saw her

abortion but chickened out. How disgraceful,

swirling gossip.

couldn't help but

a fool of me in front of everyone? I regret

subject of everyone's scorn felt like living in hell, compared to the heavenly praise she once dreamed

Odeberg patriarch's insults, was unbearable. Yet, amidst

she touched her face, wiping away the blood from her

moment, she

teacher had